Butane torch thread

[Flotsam]

Further to my previous post, the Sondiko S400 has had a safety recall. I got a message from amazon saying that the device should be returned for a refund. I've only recently picked up the message, however it looks like the recall was at the end of April.
I've recently noted that after filling the torch it seems to work well, however the next day the torch has no gas left. I noticed that after filling with gas and if shaken there was the sound of gas escaping from the filling port.
I found an old kitchen torch in the cupboard that sees to work well, however I'd appreciate any suggestions for a torch that will last without any issues!

i have that torch sitting around as well. If it is leaking by all means replace it.

Unless you have small kids the recall is over the Child proof safety features in the Sondiko which they feel is not strong enough. But in all it just makes the torch harder to use. But i will say the sondiko has a nice touch with the settings. You can see a real low flame similar to the Honest single flame which other larger torches do not do a good job with.

 

[Flotsam]

So I ended up getting a new torch specifically for my Terpcicle sessions. I did a bit more research and ended up getting a Blazer GB4001 Stingray. It is in Blazer's Industrial line rather than their home line and from what i understood, ease of use, reliability and performance are the most important. This design probably be would not be approved as an acceptable child lock so please keep that in mind. I will do a short review. $35 Amazon

My favorite aspect that i really like about this torch is its ergonometric design. I mentioned this was intended for industrial use but there is a safety switch that must be set before the torch can be used. This is way more convenient than some other torches i have tried. All controls are precise in that you know positively where it is set at.

Once the safety switch is flipped up, the gas valve can be set to the desired flame height starting with each use. I really like this point as there are too many torches that will revert to whatever the previous setting was used. Much safer this way.

So once the gas valve is flowing the Igniter is sparked at whatever flame level you just selected. Once ignited you do not have to touch igniter again. One torch i had required you to keep a finger on the igniter the entire time. Too much repetitive motion actions. I have a picture i took and marked up to illustrate.

The torch's maximum temperature is the same as the Big Shot 8000 model (top of the line), but i think this one has less capacity. It is fairly light to hold and has a base you can stick on it. Performance is solid using Whip It butane.

Using this torch improves my Terpcicle session immensely. I can direct consistent heat for a sufficient time to get a single session extraction. No cramping of fingers holding torch on. I will try and find a photo of my Terpcicle setup but i try and fill an entire downstem w ground cannabis . I sesh for a bit and then let it cool off. Do a bit of stirring in the tube and then a final blast to finish it off.

Turning the torch off is equally as intuitive. You turn the gas valve to the right (OFF) position and then and only then the Safety Switch can be slid down. The placement of the controls really enforces that something can't be left on inadvertently and it becomes a single action using your thumb.

so I am very happy with this torch and would highly recommend for big stuff (eg. Terpcicle or dabs) , but because the gas valve adjustment is so well set i can turn it way down which is the way i would use it with a DV or even the Vaponic. So yes for some of that smaller stuff a smaller torch would be better, but rest assured this is more manageable than one would initially think. So no other flare ups , anomalies etc. It fills easily and somehow performs well in the hot humid weather we have been experiencing.

 

[simba]

This was the first torch I bought years ago, but badged as Proxxon. It's very reliable! Although I do have a bigger torch that I use for the Tasty Tube and TA.